Floatplane Retriever

Anything about sailing
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Igull
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Joined: 16 Feb 2018, 21:11

Floatplane Retriever

Post by Igull »

Thought this might interest someone. Not original (kind of based around Andrew Newton's version on youtube), but based on available UK stuff.
It's essentially a framework of 22mm overflow pipe and fittings (except that you can't get stopped ends, so I 3D printed some :-)
The foam 'pool noodle' is actually 20mm ID 70mm OD pipe insulation. The central box is a bit of 6mm laser cut liteply.
Motors are a pair of 2826/10 1400Kv motors and a pair of 30A esc's from HK for the Bushmule twin foamy. They're reversing - which was one of the points I wanted. All running off a ubiquitous 3S/2200. Rx is an el cheapo orangerx 618XL v2 and one of the brilliant OrangeRx Tx6i transmitters. A bit of mixing for everything on the RH stick and Robert's your auntie's husband.

This all started because I picked up a real bargain at one of our local B&B's - an eflite Carbon Z Cub - 2.1m - only 1 flight under it's belt too. I've always fancied a go at floatplane flying - bottom of my garden is literally in the river Forth :-)) Having lost a couple of slopers to the river, I thought it would be pertinent to have something that might be able to retrieve the model in case of a dunking :-) My neighbours have boats and rib things to get out to them, but it takes ages to get them fettled and started - NOT electric for some reason ???

Anyway, it works fine on wet garden grass - still to get a soaking on the real stuff :-))

Neil
IMG_20190301_205453.jpg
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PaulJ
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Location: Ipswich, UK

Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by PaulJ »

Brilliant Neil! I love it :P I don't actually need one because I have a small RIB for the job but this is a great idea!

Paul
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Igull
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Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by Igull »

Phil_G wrote: 08 Mar 2019, 10:51 If you strap a Zagi to it you'll have a spare floatplane Neil :D :) :D
Hey, now there's an idea Phil - a removeable depron wing floatplane - Mmmmmmm

Maybe need to replace the 3S with a 5S 'though :lol:

Neil
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Igull
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Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by Igull »

Hi All
As it was raining yesterday, I spent 1/2hr down at the old model boating pond in Rosyth.
This was a REAL maiden voyage, an OD boat and my first boat as such :D
It worked out extremely well - had around 20 mins with still more power left from a 3s/2200 - must be a lot more power frugal than my 3D aerobats :lol:
The thing was very responsive - much better than when it was in the bath :shock:
Apologies for the video, I was 'controlling' the boat at the same time.
Neil
https://youtu.be/gFhbm626xnU
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RON
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Location: Stokesley North Yorkshire

Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by RON »

Nice superstructure, where does the man sit :D

Ron.
G0MBV Class A Radio Amateur, North Yorkshire
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Shaun
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Location: West Yorkshire

Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by Shaun »

It will never get airborne. :lol:

Shaun
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Igull
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Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by Igull »

VC10 RON wrote: 29 May 2019, 21:35 Nice superstructure, where does the man sit
That's rather sexist, it's actually designed for a woman - which is why I left the seat up :lol:
Neil
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Igull
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Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by Igull »

Shaun wrote: 29 May 2019, 23:09 It will never get airborne. :lol:
As this is the boat section, I'll just disregard that remark :)
It really does float well though - not sufficient so that I would move to the dark (wet) side of modelling - but enough fun to keep me amused for about 10 mins. I'm really not sure how boat folks can spend the day 'sailing' around - I would get bored very quickly unless there was racing or smoke and flames involved.
I have recollections of taking the kids to Peasholm Park in Scarborough when we were on holiday - many, many moons ago - that would keep the interest up for a while :) I did see some youtube vids on that recently - it was well done (except for the aerial bombing - long bit of string and a meteor(?) on a rope with some smoke :lol: )
Neil
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Igull
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Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by Igull »

I need to dump a floatplane in the pond now and attempt an RNLI retrieve :)
Unfortunately, the park where the pond is, is full of showfolks and their waltzers and stuff for a few days during the holidays. Have to wait a week until it's all moved on - don't suppose they'll fancy a 2m Carbon Cub floatplane flying past their caravan windows at 6am :lol:
Neil
Spike S
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Location: Salisbury UK

Re: Floatplane Retriever

Post by Spike S »

"... I'm really not sure how boat folks can spend the day 'sailing' around - I would get bored very quickly ..."
Its much the same as flying machines; much of the reward is building the craft and tinkering with the RC systems, then socialising in the pits. If you just buy and drive an RTR, it is just as boring as flying an RTF !
Thereby lies the difference between Model boats/Toy boats. Model aircraft/Toy aircraft
Spike S
(Tune for maximum smoke)
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